education Unlike the mild weather of 2012, this year's Park High School Snow Week happened in the middle of a normal Minnesota winter.
Last week's celebration was filled with special dress days and a dodgeball tournament in the activity center. The students were in eye-popping colors on Friday for "neon day."
The...
Cottage Grove, 55016

Cottage Grove Minnesota 7584 80th Street South 55016

2013-06-13 22:47:49

Unlike the mild weather of 2012, this year's Park High School Snow Week happened in the middle of a normal Minnesota winter.

Last week's celebration was filled with special dress days and a dodgeball tournament in the activity center. The students were in eye-popping colors on Friday for "neon day."

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The coronation, traditionally held during a dance on Saturday night, was moved to a pep fest on Friday afternoon and drew a larger audience. So many students are involved in sports teams and section competition that it made sense to change it, according to Alena Behr, a teacher and Snow Week organizer.

After the Air Force Junior ROTC brought the flags in for the National Anthem, student emcees Nate Pearson and Allie Mathiason commented on the week's activities. Teachers Stacy Paleen and Adam Sheridan introduced the royalty candidates, which included three girls and three boys from each class nominated by staff members. Winners were selected by student voting.

Candidates for Snow Week king and queen, from the senior class, were Cody Newton and Greta Tank; Michael Harrison and Kemmi Olukoga; and Irving Gutierrez and Carlyn Lindstrom. Harrison and Lindstrom were crowned and capped to preside over the remaining activities of Snow Week.

From the junior class, nominees were Zach Hemmingson and Molly Swanson; Sullivan Brenke and Schyler Wood; and Jordan Pinnex and Molly Moran. Wood and Pinnex won.

Special royalty status was conveyed on favorite female and male staff members. Nominated and voted on by students, nominees were Don Kinney, Joe Adams, Todd Hyland, Laura Beard, Tami Velez and Nicki Viath. The winning couple was Adams, an English teacher, and Velez, a science teacher.

Judy Spooner is the longest-serving staff writer at the South Washington County Bulletin. Spooner, who covers education and features in addition to writing a weekly column, has been with the newspaper for over 30 years.